Andal arrived last night and there was so much to catch up on – her second internship in Mumbai and a friend brother’s wedding in Kolkata. She has a busy month ahead with submission of assignments and examinations. Kaaju is the happiest though – she actually pulls his cheeks, spanks his bum, pretends to eat his bones and sticks, runs away with his toys, quintessentially, is a sibling.
Unfortunately, Aditi was still feeling unwell and we decided to not participate in the run. Andal had made it clear that she did not want to see anyone anytime before noon – such a light sleeper, the smallest of sounds and the faintest of lights wakes her up and when that happens, the rest of us, run for cover. Her vocabulary would put a truck driver to shame.
I convinced Aditi to come and sit in the park like yesterday – fresh air would make her feel better – she even walked two laps with me. Guess who else walked with me – Gopi, but she was very quiet throughout. Speaking of my walking, few can keep up with my pace – Sesh gave up after a few years. Maybe that’s what allows me to observe people.
I think it all started with books – as far as I can remember, there were always books at home or easily available in school or neighbourhood libraries. During my holidays, I haunted a circulating library in Malleswaram close to my grandfather’s house. Champak, Chandamama, Enid Blyton, Archies, Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle, Alfred Hitchcock, Agatha Christie, Panchatantra, Akbar Birbal, Tenali Rama, Perry Mason, RK Narayan, Robin Cook, Arthur Hailey, Arthur Conan Doyle, Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy, Ayn Rand, C Rajagopalachari – were all part of my childhood and early youth. I even wanted to be an archaeologist after reading Agatha Christie. My first and lasting crush remains Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice, and Supandi, my all time favourite character. First introduction to romance came with Mills & Boons and few of them could always be found under my pillow throughout college. I was never stopped from reading anything, so read any book that I could lay hands on. Infact, I used to carry books while visiting people – and so earned a reputation of being proud and uninterested. Well, to be honest, I did prefer books.
But there were other times – I could not then, and still cannot read a book in a moving vehicle except a train. During my long bus rides to school and college, is when I first remember observing people and relating them to characters I had read about. When I could not relate them to anyone easily, I would observe them more closely. There, my secret is out now.
I also had another habit. Every evening, I would tell my father everything that had transpired around me during the day. I still do, Aditi now is subjected to my tales. It was usually around the dinner table with Purni and my Mom also contributing. I had a very secure, happy and blessed childhood – I would often say that If I could give my children even a fraction of it, they would be fortunate. Debates, Declamation contests, essay competitions and even poetry followed in college. Then life happened but I never stopped reading. Every time I would return from Bangalore to Dubai, I would bring back 8-10 new books – some for Andal & Aditi too as they grew and started reading. Durga has found books in kitchen drawer, among washing clothes and ofcourse in the toilets – I used to read while eating lunch too for the longest of times. The world of books is magical, have you discovered it?
I believe that there are good audio books available now. Can you recommend?
Somebody’s arm brushes past me and I turn. Have you noticed the different styles of walking especially the arm movements. Some people are downright marching – remind me of my NCC commandant. From the part jog, part walkers to these arm swingers – who may find themselves in RCB team next year, to groups of 3 walking in sync, to cat walkers and then to strollers like me, who are there to enjoy the experience – you will find us all in the park. Today I surpassed 5 kms again – the last two weeks have indeed been a life changer. As I told Akash – he has created a monster.
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